As Robin once exclaimed to the Caped Crusader, "Holy 4th of July, Batman!" A new Marist poll shows many Americans don't know the significance of July 4th. Four in ten Americans do not know that America declared its independence in 1776. Almost one in four people surveyed around the country also didn't know the United States broke away from Great Britain. I know I'm a history nut, but give me a break! People lacking the most basic knowledge of history and other subjects may be good comedy material for Jay Leno, but the implications of this level of ignorance should be taken very seriously. Our country's freedoms were won and reaffirmed by people who fought hard for them, often paying the ultimate price. An informed public is our guarantee that these freedoms will be preserved. Dictators demagogues rely on false information - or a lack of it - to take power. We have been warned that those who ignore the past are bound to repeat it. If you appreciate the real meaning of this holiday, Happy 4th of July!
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